True Lovers of Orchids vs "Crazy Orchid Maniacs"

[Ray]

It takes all types to make the world go 'round, and tolerance is crucial.

Let us not forget that the most successful ecosystems are the ones with the most biodiversity, and not too surprisingly, that seems to carry over to many, many, other systems, as well.

Who knows? That purple-haired, glittery pixie might end up being a huge benefit to the hobby, or survival of natural habitats, or something.

[wintergirl]

Every time my son comes home to visit, I have more orchids. This time he says to his girlfriend (who has 4 orchids), you have the right amount. I think he is afraid she will become orchid obsessed like me and fill their apartment. She brings her vanda (that I bought her) with them when they come visit Funny thing is he started all of this with that mother's day orchid a couple years ago.

---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 PM ----------

Oh I have to throw this in, Astrid has a funny new video.

[orchidsarefun]

in the UK, well generally overseas, true 'eccentrics' are tolerated and even celebrated. I can appreciate someone who is 'different' and not a poser. Its easy to tell the difference.

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by winter girl

Oh I have to throw this in, Astrid has a funny new video.

Yep, Ray's comments certainly apply here.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Seriously, outside of an orchid society or a professional grower, how many people do you know who have over fifty plants/orchids INDOORS?

I've got nearly 50 plants in our tiny 963 square foot condo, about half are orchids and the rest house plants. I think anyone with more than 50 must be nuts

My wife credits the plants with curing her of severe eczema that she has had for the past 7 years. She suffered from this throughout the year, with it being particularly bad during the dry winter. As the number of plants increased, her eczema started to lessen in severity. She hasn't had a breakout of eczema in nearly a year now, which is a miracle for her. Of course, no idea if the plants have had anything to do with it, but who knows?

[AnonYMouse]

...and Ray comes along and shames our self righteousness.

[Yazz]

Originally Posted by wintergirl

Oh I have to throw this in, Astrid has a funny new video.

Love the video.

If you find bark in the darndest places, you're an orchid lover.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

Why do I resent this type of behavior?

Or is it because I feel that they are using this thing that I love and respect as a pathetic excuse to beg for attention?

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

I call it attention whoring.

Maybe I'm a bit of a curmudgeon myself, but I'd say you two hit the nail on the head.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

...true 'eccentrics' are tolerated....

I've been told an eccentric is a crazy person with money.

[Skycat]

I always like seeing people with dyed hair; to me, it comes off as excitedly expressing artistic-ness, or something to that effect. Being an artist myself, particularly one who enjoys things like anime conventions where lots of people go in elaborate costumes, it gives me more of a feeling that that person might have some interests in common with me and maybe be fun to talk to (though I didn't talk to that particular person who was at the show; I was too busy shopping).

Am I wrong to feel somewhat suspicious that most likely, this type of person actually has very little knowledge about the natural history or horticultural techniques of orchids?

That may be the case, but so what? Nobody starts out with that kind of knowledge anyway. That's why there were all those care sheets there, and why we have this forum here.